Bearing segments with plastic lining: operating and maintenance experience

Bearing segments with plastic lining instead of the traditional babbitt lining has been used for decades in hydro  generator bearings. Plastic lined bearing segments are said to have a number of advantages compared to segments with babbitt lining. These advantages are often discussed and sometimes disagreed by some users. 
The purpose of this study is to get the operating and maintenance experience when having generator bearing segments with plastic lining.

The study used the survey methodology whereby members of Study Committee A1 and Working Group A1.21 were asked to obtain responses from hydro power plants owners and hydro generator suppliers in their own countries. A questionnaire containing questions about bearing type, type of plastic lining, if high pressure oil lubrication is…